Tanimola Akinsola is a fast-rising actress whose performance in movies and comic skits alike have been earning her raves in the entertainment industry. In this interview by KOLA MUHAMMED, the graduate of Odunlade Adekola Films Production (OAFP) discusses her journey into Nollywood and forthcoming movie plans. Excerpts:
How did the journey of acting start for you?
Acting is something I have always had a passion for. I have been into acting way before I joined the film industry. I was in the drama department of my church when I was growing up. When I was seeking admission into a tertiary institution, I told my grandpa that I wanted to study Theatre Arts. He fumed that he would only allow me to go for Law. Eventually, I was given Mass Communication as there was no Theatre Arts course at my school. When I resumed, I joined the drama department.
Along the line, I worked with the popular Alfa Sule group to shoot ‘Ijinle’. I was part of the cast for the movie and I would go for the rehearsals. My grandpa wasn’t aware of all these then. I would leave school for Ibadan for the rehearsals without his consent. When ‘Ijinle’ was released, members of my grandpa’s church, a pastor, were surprised to see me play a role in the movie. Although I tried to stop them from informing my grandpa, it didn’t work. My grandpa got to know that I acted in the film, he saw the film and that was how his attitude started getting positive towards my acting ambitions.
I implored my sisters to speak with him to allow me to join the Alfa Sule group, even though I was already part of them. My grandpa then demanded to see the president of the Alfa Sule group. I was told that the president would not be chanced that I should speak with Woli Agba. Woli followed me that day and he was elated to see someone he had been seeing on TV. My grandpa then told Woli Agba that he was okay with me joining the group since it was a Christian outfit. He didn’t want me to join the secular industry. So, he more or less handed me over to him. So, I got my grandpa’s full support on acting.
Afterwards, I spoke with Woli Agba that I was not actually interested in Christian drama that I wanted the main Nollywood. Odunlade Adekola’s younger brother, Oyekanmi Adekola, was his friend, and it was that influence he used to link me up with Odunlade Adekola. Shortly after, a praise night was held at Odunlade Adekola’s church in Abeokuta and Woli Agba was to be the anchor of the programme. I followed Woli to Abeokuta and I felt on top of the world seeing Odunlade Adekola in person. The first thing I did was to take a picture with him. He asked about my level of education because I looked so small to him. He then told me to round off my education, as I was in ND 2, and come back. Immediately after I wrote my final ND paper, I called Woli Agba straightaway. A few months after, I received a text message to come for an audition. At the audition, we were so many that I thought I may not make the cut. Thankfully, I was shortlisted and that marked the beginning of my Nollywood career.
I should also add that I had worked as a continuity manager with OAFP before I left school.
Since you made your debut in 2017, how would you describe the journey so far?
I thank God. It has not been easy at all. For one, Odunlade Adekola is based in Abeokuta and I am based in Ibadan. The stress of travelling to Abeokuta almost every week is a big one. To add, travelling these days is risky with kidnappers and herdsmen on the rampage. The industry itself is daunting. To watch a movie on TV is easy, especially for the audience but what goes on behind the screen and during the making is really arduous.
Since your boss and mentor, Odunlade Adekola, is based in Abeokuta, have you not thought of relocating to the city?
No, I am not thinking of relocating because I am very much okay with my city, Ibadan.
Odunlade Adekola is undoubtedly one of the biggest Nollywood stars on TV who can play virtually any role. But off the screen, how would you describe his personality?
He is a very good man, very kind and accommodating. He is always ready to help everybody around him. I see him as a philanthropist. He loves singing. If you’re with him, he’ll always sing. He loves to pray before doing anything and believes that consistency is the key to getting anything.
So far, how many projects have you been involved in?
When I started, I had a practice of jotting every movie I participated in. However, the activity became so overwhelming that I lost count. When I was keeping the jotter, I remember reaching the half-century mark. Now, it’s difficult to give a number.
Which movie would you say really gave the Nollywood audience an awareness that there is a talented, fast-rising movie star, Tanimola Akinsola?
I have to say that I still have a long way to go from four years ago that I started. However, I think Saamu Alajo Comedy Series did that for me.
You have also been participating in skits. Apart from full-time acting, are you considering going into skit making?
Yes, I’m considering it. It’s not all the time that I go to locations. So, if I have the time, it’s something I can go into.
Not much is known about you in the public space. Can you shed light on your background?
I was born in Lagos and I have been staying with my grandparents since I was born. My grandfather was a pastor; he was always transferred from one place to the other. So, we moved around a lot. From Lagos to Akure to Oke Igbo to Ibadan. Since we got to Ibadan, we have been stable till my grandpa passed on. Growing up was fun, being a pastor’s child, praying every day, having a lot of people coming to your house to see your grandpa. They would give you money, give you gifts. I miss those times. Then we were not allowed to have friends, just my sisters, my brother and myself. It was when we got to Ibadan that I became intentional about having friends.
I attended Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, for my tertiary education, where I studied Mass Communication.
Can you provide some insights into some of the projects you’re working on at the moment?
I’m working on a project at the moment. We’re still at the scriptwriting stage. By October, we’ll shoot it. Watch out for it. There are some other projects that have already been concluded but will be out soon. Watch out for Tanimola Akinsola in those ones too.
Apart from your mentor, who are the people you look up to in the movie industry as models?
Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele stand out for me.
Many actresses claim that they have had to wriggle their ways through constant sexual advances from producers and directors alike before they can experience career growth. Is this a challenge you have had to face?
Thank God for my boss, thank God for where I learnt acting. He has really helped those of us under him such that we don’t look up to producers, directors or marketers before you can do well. Thankfully, I have never experienced such. There are people that walk up to you that they like you, even people outside the industry, that’s normal.
Are you single or married?
I’m single.
In the next five years, where do you see yourself?
Five years is even too long. I already see myself on top of the world, making money on my own, having people around me, dominating screens and making waves.
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